Coach Fernando Santos took full accountability for Portugal’s 4-2 defeat within the Euro 2020 group stage match on the night of June 19. He mentioned his crew was overwhelmed in midfield and couldn’t sustain with the skilled German duo of Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave defending champions Portugal the lead inside quarter-hour earlier than Ruben Dias after which Raphael Guerreiro personal targets inside 5 minutes.
After that, the German crew relentlessly pushed ahead to open the Portuguese protection at will and scored two extra targets within the second half. Kross had no hassle making 86 passes in opposition to a passive Portuguese midfield.
“We simply adjusted our midfield technique for this recreation and wished to drive midfield gamers like Gundogan, Kross, to let our full-backs go ahead. However clearly we lacked midfield gamers and pushed again. That is my technique and I take full accountability,” Mr. Santos mentioned in a post-match press convention.
Whereas stating numerous particular person defensive errors all through the sport, Santos didn’t blame his gamers. “The gamers may have lined the precise hand. However I do not wish to blame them,” he mentioned.
Germany’s victory places them degree with Portugal with 3 factors, 1 level behind the highest crew, France. Portugal will meet France and Germany will meet Hungary within the final match on June 23. Mr. Santos emphasised that Germany’s victory was a good consequence and now it is time for Portugal to relaxation and put together for the upcoming match.
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